"I don't know how many times I can change the tape during the match, because to change the tape I need the trainer.

"If that happens again, I don't know how the rules are, but it's a little bit more risky."

Match stats

Nadal

Federer

3

Aces

8

1

Double faults

1

65

First serve %

66

174kph (108mph)

Average 1st serve

182kph (113mph)

144kph (89mph)

Average 2nd serve

153kph (95mph)

77

Returns in %

74

4/14

Break points won

1/2

3/10

Net points won

23/42

74/127

Baseline points won

37/95

It did not prove to be a helping hand for Federer, in fact quite the opposite as Nadal came storming back.

Only some big serving saw Federer save three more break points at 2-2, but he was finally undone two games later when a breathtaking angled backhand and a heavy forehand into the corner put Nadal 4-2 in front, and on his way to a two-set lead.

For all the positive influence of new coach Stefan Edberg over the past fortnight, when Federer dumped a backhand volley into the net to drop serve early in the third, the outcome of the match had a very familiar feel.

There was a flash of hope for the thousands of Federer fans on Rod Laver Arena when their man finally broke to hit straight back, and some serve-volleying helped him to a 3-2 lead, but Nadal was soon on the hunt again.

The relentless pressure told as Federer's forehand flew long to give up his serve at 3-3, and Nadal swept to victory with his fourth break of the day thanks to a succession of brilliant forehands.

It gave him a 23rd win over Federer, who still has not beaten Nadal at a Grand Slam since the 2007 Wimbledon final, and never away from the All England Club.

"I think Rafa did a good job of keeping the pressure on me," said Federer. "I might have gotten a little tired, maybe in the third set, but overall I'm very happy.

"Rafa played well and he played solid, so I don't have crazy regrets tonight other than maybe not having created more opportunities for myself. Rafa was his usual self, what I kind of expected."